Barrymore's roller derby film needs extras from Washtenaw County area

Calling all local wannabe movie stars - now is your chance to appear in a Hollywood feature film without ever leaving Washtenaw County.

Filmmakers are looking for "thousands" of extras to help with the filming of "Whip It," being produced by Drew Barrymore.

Barrymore's production company, Flower Films, set up shop in Saline last week. They're scheduled to start filming July 28, the movie company said.

"Whip It," Barrymore's directorial debut, stars actress Ellen Page in the story of a teenage girl who discovers the world of roller derby.
Kathy Remski, a partner with Real Style in Birmingham, said her company is looking for "thousands" of local people to fill in various roles. Real Style received a contract from Flower Films to seek out extras.

Drew Barrymore

"We are looking for individuals from 18 to 50, all walks of life, from the most eccentric to punk rockers to roller derby fans to rock 'n' roll people," Remski said. "We want expressive individuals. If somebody has pink hair, bring it on."

The body of the e-mail should include the person's picture, a contact number and a date of birth. Remski said the picture is "essential" in determining who gets a call.

Extras receive a nominal fee, Remski said.

Remski said the extras will be used from July 30 to Aug. 13. Casting calls will be set up in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti as early as next week.
"There are long days, but you are part of filming history," Remski said.

Chris Miller, a producer for "Whip It" with Flower Films, said the production company has already set up a practice roller derby track in the warehouse space it has rented in Saline. The production company has asked the location not be disclosed.

"There could be scenes in Saline, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti," Miller said. "There are plans on shooting some things in that general area."
Miller said the filmmakers still haven't determined whether the movie will shoot in an area high school or whether they'll build a portion of a high school at their Saline location.

He said the actual roller derby track used in the movie is in place in Detroit, where most of the movie will be shot.